Lois Capps is an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1998 to 2017. She represented California's 24th congressional district, which encompassed areas including Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and parts of Ventura County.
Born on January 10, 1938, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, Capps pursued a career in nursing before entering politics. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Pacific Lutheran University and later earned a Master's degree in religion from Yale Divinity School.
Lois Capps began her political career following the tragic death of her husband, Walter Capps, who had represented the same congressional district. In 1998, she won a special election to fill her late husband's seat, and subsequently won re-election in the following years. Known for her focus on healthcare and environmental issues, Capps was a champion for improving access to quality healthcare for all Americans and advocated for measures to ensure clean air and water.
Throughout her tenure, Capps served on various committees, including the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Natural Resources Committee. As a member of these committees, she played a significant role in shaping legislation related to healthcare reform, environmental protections, and energy issues.
Lois Capps chose not to seek re-election in 2016 and retired from Congress in 2017. Her dedication to public service and commitment to healthcare and environmental issues have left a lasting impact on her constituents and the nation as a whole.
